A group of DOT USA TeachUp! Interns came together on October 25 to participate in “Make A Difference Day”on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

Mississippi TeachUp! Interns, Victoria Catchings, Jason Bolstad, LaCharles Green, Antoine Powell, Hope Buckley-Keys, and Jerrel Connerly, served at a DOT USA booth for USM’s “Make A Difference Day” Fair. The DOT USA Booth concentrated on Internet safety for youth. The children who visited the booth learned about important safety rules to follow when using the Internet. Each child signed a pledge to practice caution when browsing websites. The list of guidelines included never handing out your name and address as well as telling parents about any suspicious activities while using the computer. 

The youth signed their pledges and were urged to take the guidelines home to share with their parents. The Interns hope that their actions will raise awareness about Internet Safety.

“Because so many children are becoming active on the Internet at a young age, it’s important that they are equipped with the tools necessary to protect themselves from danger,” said Hope Buckley-Keys, DOT USA TeachUp! Intern.

Hope recognizes the importance of educating youth on safety measures when using the computer and believes that an understanding of responsible computer usage will serve as a weapon against Internet predators.

“Make A Difference Day” is a nationally recognized annual event which encourages people all around the US to help others. This day of service falls on the fourth Saturday of every October and was created by USA Weekend Magazine. AmeriCorps, a supporter of “Make A Difference Day,” partnered with DOT USA in 2008. DOT USA Interns falling under the AmeriCorps grant also serve as AmeriCorps members. These Interns were excited to represent AmeriCorps as well as DOT USA on a day dedicated to serving the community.

Hope counts the time she and her fellow Interns spent as a success. “I feel like we may have influenced the kids to properly use the Internet, and that’s important now more than ever.”